Fine Kerry TD, Brendan Griffin, has encouraged Kerry farmers to attend a consultation meeting on the Beef Data and Genomics Programme. The meeting takes place in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, on Monday 12th October at 8pm.

“The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, has decided to hold a series of consultation meetings for beef farmers in relation to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme. The Kerry meeting is taking place in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, on Monday 12th October at 8pm.

“I strongly encourage Kerry beef farmers to attend the meeting, which is organised by the Department of Agriculture and will also include contributions from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) and Teagasc. The whole idea is to inform farmers on how to best complete the actions under the scheme, and how they can maximise the potential benefits to their farm.

“I also welcome the fact that there will be an opportunity for farmers to have one on one sessions with the officials before the meeting begins, in order to discuss any issues that they might not want to bring up at the main meetings. Farmers are encouraged to bring along their ICBF reports if they have particular queries about it.

“The BDGP is a really innovative programme that can help farmers to maximise their profits and farm sustainably. However with any new programme there can be issues and questions. These information meetings are just one part of a wider programme of events to engage with BDGP participants, including dedicated BDGP farm walks, and engagement through trade media. I commend the Minister for reaching out to farmers on this, fulfilling his commitment to work closely with the participants to ensure smooth running of the Programme.”